HOUSTON, TX, December 7, 2011 – It”s been a whirlwind of activity this past week for the Legacy Fighting Championship 9 fight featuring Jeff Rexroad on Friday, December 16th. First it was announced that UFC-vet Paul Kelly was pulled from the event due to uncertainty stemming from visa issues. Kelly would then be replaced by former TUF season 8 winner Efrain Escudero in what would have been a very interesting matchup. Then just yesterday, it was reported that Escudero had been called back up to the big show to face Jacob Volkmann at UFC 141, once again leaving Rexroad opponent-less for this event.
Well have no fear fight fans, Larry “Tae-Kwon” Crowe is here. The always-exciting prospect from Silverback Fight Club has decided to put his four-fight win streak on the line to face Houston’s supercop in a 175 lbs. catchweight battle that could eventually determine the next title contender and break out star to come out of Houston.
Let’s t take a look at this upcoming matchup and break things down in preparation for the fight set to go down at the Arena Theater next Friday night.
TXMMA Tale of the Tape – Jeff Rexroad vs. Larry Crowe
A Look at Jeff “The Executioner” Rexroad
Location: Houston, Texas
Team: Paradigm Training Center
Height / Weight: 6 ft 3 in. / 170 lbs.
MMA Record: 4-1
Notable Facts:
► Member of the Houston Police Department – where he works in the gang investigations unit.
► Veteran of the United States Armed Forces.
► His fight with Ricardo Talavera at Legacy FC 5 is an early ‘Fight of the Year’ candidate.
► Family man outside the cage and father to a one-year old daughter, Riley.
Biggest Strengths in the Cage:
► Jeff is known for being a well-rounded fighter. As a BJJ brown belt, he’s exceptional on the ground, even showcasing extreme flexibility with his use of the rubber guard in his last several fights. He is equally adept on his feet where he likes to utilize his reach to keep his opponents at the end of his jab.
What he may need to do to win this fight:
► Looking at this matchup stylistically, one thing Jeff may have to do is whether the storm early on. Crowe has had a penchant for coming out really strong to open his fights, as evident by his last two blitzkreigs over Ike VIllanueva and Jermaine Anugwom. Jeff may want to be wary of his opponent’s power and athleticism early so look for him to keep TKC at the end of his jabs until he gets a feel for his opponent or Larry slows down. If the fight goes to the ground, look for Jeff to try and control the action from top position and hunt for submissions when they become available.
What does this fight mean to his career?
► With three wins and a row, a win here could validate Jeff as a legit contender nationally and put him on the radar of promotions like the UFC and Strikeforce. Otherwise, he’ll definitely be in line for a Legacy 170 title shot against the winner of Macaco/Bronzoulis should get past Mr. Crowe in this bout.
A Look at Larry “Tae-Kwon” Crowe
Location: Houston, TX
Team: Silverback Fight Club
Height / Weight: 5 ft 11 in. / 175 lbs.
MMA Record: 5-1
Notable Facts:
► Most recently fought on HDNet’s Legacy FC 8, knocking out Ike Villanueva at 1:37 of round 2. He also fought on the card previous to that one, finishing Jermaine Anugwom in a mere :47 of round 1 by submission (via strikes).
► Larry began his professional career at heavyweight, taking on Miguel Guerra and Taylor Hebert. Ever since his debut in April of last year, he’s gradually cut down more and more and is known to be a physical specimen.
► A native Houstonian, Larry attended high school at Cy-Springs and also matriculated at Blinn after graduating high school.
Biggest Strengths:
► Larry’s explosion may be his biggest attribute. He’s got knockout power in both hands and isn’t afraid to go in for the finish should he see an opening. He’s also fought to three decisions so he’s not adverse to fighting it out for the long-haul if that’s the way the fight goes.
What he may need to do to win:
► Larry will be fighting a significantly taller fighter in the 6’3″ Jeff Rexroad. He’ll need to use his speed to get in and get out on his opponent or close the distance quickly and try to bust him up on the inside. Jeff is also a BJJ Brown Belt so Larry needs to be wary of that and get back to his feet quickly or control top position if this fight hits the floor. Jeff’s never been knocked out but if Larry can find his chin, then he should close quickly.
What does this fight mean to his career?
► With a win on December 16th, Larry will be looking at five in a row with three straight wins within the Legacy Fighting Championship. He’ll no doubt be gunning for a belt at that point so this fight could have significant ramifications as far as a future title shot and a subsequent move towards the national scene.
In conclusion
Based on all the information above and a clear look at all their notable past fights, this matchup has the makings of yet another ‘Fight of the Night’ type of performance for both men as they take their talents to HDNet. If nothing else, there’s certainly some significance attached here with Jeff getting his opportunity to deliver a break-out type of performance on the national scene while Larry is looking to do the exact same thing and gain some respect in a scene where its fair to say he’s been a little overlooked in the past. All things considered, we’re looking forward to this one and it should be a very exciting battle.
What are YOUR thoughts on this upcoming bout? Chime in with your comments below!
LIKE TXMMA on Facebook for more in-depth news and coverage of the MMA & grappling scene along with fan contests to win great prizes courtesy of TXMMA.com and much more. Also feel free to check us out on Twitter and Google+ for even more in the world combat sports!
